Best Dry Dog Food of 2024

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This curated selection of the best dry dog food of 2024 prioritizes quality ingredients, optimal nutrition, and palatability. Whether you have a playful pup or a senior dog, our roundup aims to help you make an informed decision to keep your beloved canine companion healthy and happy.

1. Dr Gary’s Best Breed Coldwater (Salmon) Recipe

First Impressions:  The Coldwater Recipe is a one-of-a-kind formula. It begins with Atlantic salmon, a unique protein source that is easy to digest and contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, a requisite in promoting healthy skin and coat. It also contains whitefish. Best Breed whitefish comes from the U.S.A. and is comprised of wild-caught Alaskan cod, flounder, and halibut. It is very high in protein and low in ash – meaning it is one of the best meats available!

Key features:

• Hypoallergenic dog food for dogs with intolerances to common met and grain sources
• Protein from salmon, which also provides high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, EPA, and linoleic acid
• Fish sourced in the USA
• Chicken-free: made without chicken meal or chicken fat
• Probiotics for nutrient absorption and digestion
• Whole grains including rice, oatmeal, and barley
• All-natural, antioxidant-rich vegetables including tomatoes, carrots, and spinach
• Natural sources of glucosamine for joints and connective tissue
• Balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Enriched with taurine

Helpful Reviews: 

I have 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. One of my Berners has environmental allergies that make his skin go crazy – scaling, bumps and hives, secretions. He was prone to ear infections and generally was a miserable boy. This food, in combination with great veterinary care, has made a world of difference. They all love it, it has wonderful nutritional support, and it focuses on joint support (big dogs of all breeds need this) along with skin health in the form of all of the Omega fat acids. A wonderful product!

2. Dr. Pol Healthy Balance Grain Free Salmon Recipe Dog Food

First Impressions: Dr. Pol Healthy Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food fuels your pup’s daily adventures with 6 natural and nutritious main ingredients. This Veterinarian Formulated Salmon 1st recipe is meat by-product meal, meat meal, corn, wheat, and soy free. It’s perfect for grain allergies and sensitive stomachs with added prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion and crafted without corn, wheat, soy, GMO ingredients, synthetic preservatives, and artificial colors because Dr. Pol knows the #1 factor impacting an animal’s health and life span is nutrition. Discover the Dr. Pol Difference today!

Key features:

• Real salmon is the first ingredient and single source of animal protein
• Limited Ingredient Diet with just 6 wholesome main ingredients
• Free of all grains, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy to support dogs with sensitivities
• No by-products or meat meals ever, 100% free of GMO ingredients, synthetic preservatives and artificial colors
• Natural nutrition plus added vitamins and minerals
• Salmon oil rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids helps support healthy coats, joints, and brain function
• Added prebiotics and probiotics promote healthy digestion

Helpful Reviews:  

5 out of 5 stars “Dog loves it!”

My dog thought this was really good. I like that this is grain-free. There are no by-products or meat meals in this. This is a great natural food for your dog. It has 6 main ingredients, which are salmon, peas, Sweet potatoes, green lentils, tapioca, and salmon oil. This helps with their coats, and joints and helps with digestion. I am very pleased with this dog food”

3. Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Coastal Catch

First Impressions: Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch is a great high-protein dry dog food option for your dog or puppy of any age. This gluten-free and grain-free dog food recipe is made with a powerful blend of herring, salmon, and Pacific whiting protein meals as well as wholesome fruits and veggies to create a highly palatable formula for your dog. Enriched with Taurine for heart health; balanced Omegas for healthy skin and coat; and pre-, pro-, and postbiotics for gut health, this fish-based dog food recipe is one your pup is sure to love! We not only love your pets, but we also love the planet too! Through their environmental initiatives, they’ve helped recycle over 1,500,000 pet food bags and helped plant over 1,000,000 trees in areas of need. Check out other great recipes within their Grain-Free Classics, Limited Ingredient Diets, and Ancient Grains & Superfoods collections!

Key features:

• Grain-free, gluten-free dog nutrition made in USA kitchens
• Calcium & Phosphorus support bone health & good metabolism for dogs & puppies, even large breeds. Extra protein helps sustain your puppy’s growth & energy needs
• Premium fish proteins, rich in Omega-3s, help support brain & vision health. Additional Omega fatty acids & B vitamins help maintain healthy skin & coat, & Taurine helps care for your dog’s loving heart
• Prebiotic inulin & probiotics help support gut health, along with natural fibers from antioxidant-rich superfoods like pumpkin, apples & spinach. Chelated & sulfated minerals ensure good nutrient absorption
• Bag made from 25% recycled material

Helpful Reviews:  

This is by far the best dog food we’ve ever come across. Which says a lot in my house. Both of us are former vet assistants and I used to work at an animal rehab and zoo. They really get what they need! Coat and skin softer. Skin allergies cleared up. Less waste! And a little goes along way! – LilRipper

4. Earth Animal Wisdom™ Air-Dried Dog Food

First Impressions: Premium nutrition, sustainable sourcing, and high palatability are now available in a scoop-and-serve format. Earth Animal’s Wisdom™ Air-Dried dog food uses proprietary air-drying technology to ensure the highest nutrient retention and a delicious flavor. Wisdom includes combinations of sustainably sourced meat, organs, seafood, ancient grains, sprouted seeds, fruits, and vegetables for a complete and balanced diet, and is packed in one of the industry’s first recyclable bags.

Key features:

• HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE: A unique holistic formula with organic sprouted seeds helps maintain microbiome and gut health. Plus it’s the perfect size for small and large dogs, puppy to senior
• MORE CHOICE: Available in 5 recipes featuring Earth Animal’s Exclusive Protein Blends, great for dogs with food allergies and rotational feeding.
• TASTE & TEXTURE DOGS LOVE: The gentle air-drying process creates a jerky-like texture and retains the perfect amount of moisture to lock in the natural taste of red meat that dogs love. Great for picky dogs
•  SUPERIOR NUTRITIONAL VARIETY: Combines premium ingredients including organ & muscle meat, ancient grains, fruits & vegetables, and vitamins & minerals. Gently air-dried to retain high nutrient density making it a great alternative to processed kibble
• MADE WITH INTEGRITY: Earth Animal, a trusted B Corp, uses the Earth’s finest ingredients, the best cooking processes, and the most stringent safety controls to make premium nutrition that can be easily scooped and served. Made in the USA

Helpful Reviews:  

My dogs really liked these! They went crazy for them picking them out of their food first and eating them! I love how they are air-dried and have super healthy ingredients.

My pup LOVED it! The smell was amazing. The size was a little big for her but it actually made her slow down so that was a plus for us! I was shocked to see how AMAZING the ingredients are

5. Evanger’s Super Premium Game Bird Recipe with Coconut Oil Dry Dog Food

First Impressions: Evanger’s Made in the USA Super Premium Gamebird Recipe with Coconut Oil Dry Dog Food offers your canine companion the taste of the wild with duck meal and turkey meal as the first two ingredients. This pea-free and chicken-free formula is crafted with real fruits and vegetables including dried cranberries, blueberries, kale, spinach, carrots, and more! The chelated minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics help support healthy immunity and digestion, coconut oil encourages healthy skin, a shiny coat and a happy tummy, while a touch of turmeric helps deliver added anti-inflammatory properties. Pair this scrumptious kibble with your pup’s favorite canned food for a tail-wagging texture and flavor combination!

Key features:

• This pea-free recipe has protein from real duck and turkey (the first two ingredients) to fuel your dog’s healthy, active lifestyle.
• Coconut oil promotes healthy digestion, skin, and a lustrous coat, and it has lauric acid properties, which may include antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal benefits.
• Turmeric helps deliver anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics to encourage healthy digestion.
• Chelated minerals help support a healthy immune system.

Helpful Reviews:  

EVANGER’S is the highest quality food!  My babies gobble it up. The ingredients list is very impressive. – Roni

GREAT FOOD!!! I was looking for food with no peas. I thoroughly read ingredient lists from almost 100 different foods, and this Evangers Gamebird food looked to check ALL of my boxes best. I ordered it and my dog devoured it! No digestive issues and my dog’s coat feels a little softer. I definitely recommend this food to everyone who is looking for food that works! – Hank

6. Go! Solutions Weight Management and Joint Care Grain-Free Chicken Recipe

First Impressions: Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care grain-free chicken recipe offers a weight control diet without having to sacrifice flavour. Dogs will love the delicious taste and the blend of lean protein, healthy fats, and functional ingredients like L-carnitine to help burn fat, and glucosamine + chondroitin to help maintain healthy, mobile joints. It’s pet-parent- and dog-approved! Available in 3.5lb, 12lb, and 22lb bag sizes.

Key Features:

• Made with vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies to support immune function
• Made with natural fiber-rich ingredients to help keep your dog feeling full between mealtimes and avoid over-eating.
• Complete + balanced nutrition for adult and senior dogs

Helpful Reviews:  

My mixed breed absolutely adores this food, and I love that we have a lower-fat healthy option for weight management. On this food, he acts and plays like a puppy

7. Jack’s Premium Air Dried Dog Food

First Impressions: Jack’s Premium air-dried food is an all-natural recipe cooked low and slow to lock in the majority of the nutrients. This feed is a complete and balanced meal with meat and organs with added vitamins and minerals. It can be fed as a sole diet or mixed with any other food for an extra-tasty meal! Animal protein is the best source of protein for our pups, and these recipes will help support your dog’s overall health, wellness, and longevity. The goodness doesn’t stop there – each scoop of food contains carefully selected functional ingredients. No fillers, nasties, or artificial additives. It’s your dog’s delicious, well-balanced nutrition plan in a few convenient scoops. Easy substitute for any raw or frozen diet, easy to serve for pets on the go! No refrigeration is needed!

Key features: 

• Made of 90% meat, organs, and bones
• No Seed Oils
• Contains Microalgae oil
• Made in Small Batches

Helpful Reviews:  

We were using Sundays for Dogs. It’s expensive. Jack’s quality is just as good for less. And the dog loves it!

My little pomeranian really likes the lamb and fish. He is a finicky eater but he dives into this the minute I put it out.

8. Northwest Naturals Raw Freeze-Dried Beef Recipe

First Impressions: Northwest Naturals raw freeze-dried beef recipe for dogs is made of grass-fed USDA-inspected and passed beef, sourced from the PNW. All freeze-dried diets are the same formula as our raw frozen diets for convenient rotation. Freeze-dried dog food has the absence of moisture but still retains its nutritional profile. Which means dogs are getting all the vitamins and minerals of a healthy meal. It is lightweight for easy handling and contributes to a longer shelf life without the need for refrigeration. Northwest Natural freeze-dried dog recipes come in 7 formulas, Beef & Trout, Beef, Chicken, Chicken & Salmon, Lamb, Turkey, and Whitefish & Salmon.

Key features: 

• USDA processed verified Human Grade dog food
• Extremely palatable. Can be used as a diet, nutritional snack, topper, or training treats
• Family-owned and operated in Portland Oregon

Helpful Reviews:  

I always appreciate getting a chance to work with brands that I’m a fan of IRL! Hank was having issues with food allergies and our local pet store recommended NW Naturals and it’s helped tremendously. ~ Hank’s mom

Cleo is 8 years old and in the best shape of her life thanks to NW Naturals. When she turned 6, she was on (what I thought) quality kibble. She gained 13lbs and had no energy to walk or play, even though she was taken on walks to the park every day. She’s the happiest she’s been in her whole life! Now that her diet has changed. ~ Cleo’s mom

9. Smack Caribbean-Salmon Fusion

First Impressions: While pet store shelves are increasingly crowded with raw alternative options, Canadian-made Smack’s top-quality superfood ingredients set it apart from the competition (not to mention the vibrant packaging!). Smack takes a no-compromise approach to nutrition and sources Canadian-only proteins and organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables. Smack doesn’t use any fillers, meaning all of your pup’s nutrients come from all-natural, whole foods. These clean ingredients provide immune system support, improved digestive function,  healthier skin and a shinier coat, anti-inflammatory benefits, and cancer-fighting properties. Bonus? Smack is appropriate for all stages and ages of life, from puppy to senior citizen!

Key Features:

• Wild-caught, sustainably-sourced Canadian Salmon & Rockfish.
• Organic, non-GMO superfood fruits & veggies, with ZERO fillers – only natural vitamins and minerals from whole foods.
• Scoop & Serve the convenience of kibble with the nutritional benefits of a raw diet.

Helpful Reviews:  

Amazing Ingredients & Quality

I’ve been feeding Smack to my dogs for years and they ABSOLUTELY LOVE this food. I personally love that it’s a Canadian-based brand that I can trust, with healthy ingredients, and no synthetic vitamins or fillers. I feel good knowing that I feed such high-quality food to my pups. – Tonya T.

10. Simply Naked™ Pet Foods by North Coast Seafoods

First Impressions: Dedicated to fish-first nutrition, the award-winning Simply Naked™ dog food lineup currently includes: Wild Alaskan Salmon Dinner for Adult Dogs (Grain Free) and Wild Select Seafood Dinner for Adult Dogs and Puppies (Grain-Inclusive). Our slow-cooked, air-dried kibble is proudly Made in the USA. Offered in 4 lb., 11 lb., and 24 lb. bags. Bowl after bowl, Simply Naked delivers wholesome and balanced nutrition, complete with active prebiotics, added taurine, and added vitamins + minerals with NO artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, wheat, corn, soy, chicken, or other animal by-products.

Key features: 

• FISH EXPERTISE: We are not a pet food company that happens to offer seafood. We’re a seafood company specializing in fish-first food for Cats and Dogs.
• CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE: Prepared exclusively with wild-caught fish from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certified Sustainable fisheries, the gold standard for wild seafood sustainability.
• RESPONSIBLY WILD CAUGHT: Seafood is the only truly wild protein we have left, so we keep it natural, using wild-caught fish from dependable, upstanding fishermen – the top of the catch. Fish is also one of the most carbon-efficient proteins on the planet, so when you choose Simply Naked, you’re making a difference for both your dog and our planet.
• VITAMIN SEA NUTRITION: Fish are one of the finest naturally occurring protein sources on earth. Seafood is naturally rich in vital, heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote healthy: skin + shiny fur, hearts, joints, digestion, immune system, and brain function.
• ALLERGY FRIENDLY: Many seafood-based pet recipes also include turkey, beef, or chicken fat, which can trigger common food allergies. Boat to Bowl is only fish, with NO chicken, chicken fat, or any other animal by-products, making it an excellent option for pets dealing with allergies, food intolerances, or ingredient sensitivities.

Helpful Reviews:  

At 16 Years Old, This Food Seems To Be The Best For Her: Pixie is eating her food from Simply Naked and has had no problems. She is not eating the other food at all, she just wants her salmon! I feed her 1/3 cup 3 times a day, at almost 16 years old it seems to be the best for her. Thank you!

Husky Loves Wild Select Seafood Dinner! Our poor husky pooch has an intolerance to chicken and beef. We’ve been feeding her prescription hydrolyzed protein food, and this has helped her digestive issues. I introduced Wild Select Seafood dinner as a supplementary food to mix in for flavor and variety. Not only does she love the flavor, but it doesn’t give her any digestive troubles. Double win!! Thanks for making this high-quality, seafood-based food!

11. ZIWI Peak® Air-dried Lamb recipe for dogs

First Impressions: Discover ZIWI Peak® Air-dried Lamb recipe for dogs, a nutrient-dense and delicious choice for your beloved pet. Made with the finest natural ingredients, and gently air-dried to lock in nutrition, it’s the perfect blend of convenience and health, loved by dogs and trusted by owners for energy and overall well-being. New Zealand is famous for its world-class lamb, ethically raised by multi-generational family farmers under perfect conditions. Our temperate climate and lush, nutrient-rich farmland allow the lamb to graze all year round.

Key Features:

• Free from grains, potatoes, glycerin, and rendered meat or meals
• This single-protein food is gently nourishing and great for dogs with food sensitivities.

Helpful Reviews:  

This food has been a game changer for my pooch! It’s grain-free which is perfect for her diet. The high protein content is a huge plus and I’m really impressed with the ethical and sustainable sourcing of the ingredients. The fact that the ingredients are safely air-dried gives me peace of mind knowing I’m feeding my dog the best. Definitely recommend this product. – Heather J.